Early childhood education in Australia encompasses early learning programs in preschools and other organisations, and the skills development of children from birth onwards. A number of studies at the domestic and international level have noted that young children who do not have appropriate learning opportunities may suffer from adverse outcomes later in life, although difficulties may be overcome by quality interventions which support families and individuals. Research also indicates that children are at the peak of their learning potential up to the age of 8 years. This has prompted educational providers to introduce formal programs to maximise the uptake of basic skills in the early years. Such programs, aimed at raising children's readiness for school, are generally available in preschool and a range of child-care settings.

Preschool students

Preschool generally refers to education that is provided for children from age 3 years to school starting age. The responsibility for providing preschool education rests with individual states and territories. Preschools may be operated by government, community organisations or the private sector. They are largely sessional and normally only operational during school terms. Preschool programs may also be provided in long-day child care centres.

The age at which children may attend preschool varies across jurisdictions, reflecting the different school commencement ages. In June 2005, according to the triennial Child Care Survey, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 62% of 4 year olds attended preschool (graph 12.1). At that time, 62% of all preschoolers were aged 4 years.

The National Preschool Census (NPC), conducted annually for the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training collects information about all 3-5 year olds attending preschools which are registered providers and have a preschool educational program. The NPC found 4,898 in-scope preschools, with 213,000 children enrolled at August 2006, a fall of 4% from the previous year's enrolments. Government preschools held 76% of enrolled children.

Indigenous preschool students

The NPC provides a basis for the allocation of Australian Government funding to preschools in which Indigenous students are enrolled. The 2006 NPC reported 9,275 Indigenous children enrolled in government and non-government preschools, representing 4% of total preschool enrolments. Of these enrolments, 30% were in New South Wales. Between 2005 and 2006, the number of Indigenous children enrolled in preschools increased by 3%, while non-Indigenous enrolments decreased by 4% (table 12.2). Indigenous enrolments were reported by 1,765 preschools.

12.2 INDIGENOUS PRESCHOOL ENROLMENTS

2003

2004

2005

2006

New South Wales

2 694

2 672

2 773

2 763

Victoria

559

535

523

597

Queensland(a)

896

862

738

810

South Australia

1 114

1 148

1 047

1 066

Western Australia

1 834

1 858

1 905

2 127

Tasmania

331

341

356

322

Northern Territory

1 535

1 544

1 543

1 477

Australian Capital Territory

88

95

134

113

Total Indigenous enrolments

9 051

9 055

9 019

9 275

Total non-Indigenous enrolments

211 627

205 004

212 653

203 723

(a) Some Queensland enrolments are excluded from the National Preschool Census. Consequently, Indigenous preschool enrolments are understated.